I Heart Travels

Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Baguio Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Baguio was the first tourist spot I visited in this humble city. I went there last 2008 with my college friends and I really enjoyed our short stay there. There is no restriction in visiting the area. However, due to its gaining popularity they implemented policies that may annoy some first time travelers.  All visitors entering PMA must have individual valid IDs. A person without a valid ID can't enter PMA. If you're in a group and you don't have ID, you will be instructed to get off the jeepney at the gate and wait for your companions with IDs while they're enjoying the tour. Also, wearing slippers is a big no-no when you wanted to enter its premises. Even though you are wearing your expensive flip-flops the security personnel won't show any mercy and you may be force to await your companion at the gate. They promote wearing shoes because people who wanted to visit the area shou

Baguio Botanical Garden     Botanical Garden is also known as the Igorot village. It is the place where you can see the Native Nipa huts where the Igorot people live. It’s a very tranquil and relaxing place. We were welcome by the “Builders of Baguio” monument stands her to commemorate the city’s founding in 1908.   The park also showcases the city’s rich flora & fauna, and serves as a site of cultural activities. Tourists can frequently take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional native dress. If you want to pose with the natives, make sure that you're able to communicate with them about the payment fee first, before taking your photos- It really annoys me when you experience greedy commercialization in certain places.  There is no entrance fee in the park so you can enjoy walking here without paying extra. The place is so huge and you can really smell the freshness of the garden. You are going to see more flowers, plants, some high statue

After our trip to Botanical Garden, we ate a hearty lunch at a restaurant. Then we went to Mines View Park. We were dropped off in this very commercialized section where there were concrete shops selling all sorts of items.  The people traffic led me through this maze of cobble stoned steps with stalls selling souvenir items (pasalubongs) on both sides. There were food, garments and little bric bracs for sale. There were a couple of St. Bernard dogs for hire so you can have your picture taken with them. They were quite big and dare I say they exuded quite an unpleasant odor. My friends really wanted to take some pictures, although I'm a bit afraid of their size I give in. There were also some ponies which you can ride for a fee and yet again have your picture snapped. Other stalls offered genuine Igorot head dress and 'bahags' which you can wear for another photo opportunity. But we weren't interested to pay some fees for the photo opportunity. I was looking forwar

Baguio City is known for its transient houses for travelers who wanted to find value for money. The first time I set foot in the beautiful city of Baguio I was welcome by a very cozy transient home in Crystal Cave.  Although it’s my first time I feel that I am in a very special place. We were welcome by the Filipina owner and her foreigner husband. They were very friendly and accommodating.   We booked the 3rd level of their apartment-type transient. The place is so huge and their units can accommodate groups of 5 to 20 at very low cost. Each room comes with its own cooking implements like stove, pots, among others and is fully furnished down to the rest room located near the kitchen.   The units are all housed in a huge condo-type apartment enclosed in a large gate. Security is not really an issue since there are CCTV cameras everywhere. If you plan on driving up north, the place can accommodate your car for parking.   We had a great time staying here however there are some th

As a first time traveler in Baguio city nothing will complete your visit if you haven’t been to Camp John Hay. It was our first destination for our Baguio City Tour and I really felt the Baguio Moment with all the pine trees around, beautiful landscapes, the cool climate and very peaceful ambiance.  The place is so huge with its hotels, private vacation houses, shopping center with restaurants and stores and convention centers.  It also offers recreational activities and attractions such as horseback riding, zip line, rappel, paint ball, butterfly garden, picnic areas/cottages and Art Park are also available.  We’re only able to explore some of its areas due to limited time. For me, the best spot in Camp John Hay is the Starbucks Branch.   I’m not a huge fan of drinking coffee but whenever my friends wanted to chill we always stop in its branches. We probably discovered the quaintest Starbucks coffee shop we’ve ever visited. Instead of the usual modern glass structure, Sta